WYOMING, Mich. -- The Ripon College women's soccer team picked up a convincing 3-0 shutout victory over Grace Christian University Saturday afternoon at Velting Field.
The Red Hawks wasted little time finding the back of the net, scoring all three of their goals in the opening 14 minutes of play.
Sophomore Lizzy Schmitz (Sheboygan, Wis., Sheboygan Lutheran HS) opened the scoring in the fifth minute, putting Ripon ahead 1-0 at the 4:31 mark. Just under four minutes later, senior Alyssa Klementzos (Salem, Wis., Westosha Central HS) doubled the advantage with a goal in the eighth minute, giving the Red Hawks a 2-0 lead.
Ripon continued to apply pressure, and senior Makenna Brown (Machesney Park, Ill., Rock Valley College) capped the quick offensive start with a goal at 13:13. Sophomore Breseida Mendoza Cruz (Wauconda, Ill., Wauconda HS) provided the assist on Brown's tally, giving the Red Hawks a 3-0 advantage.
The Red Hawks continued to control play throughout the remainder of the contest. Ripon finished the afternoon with 21 shots, including 10 on goal, while holding Grace Christian without a shot. Ripon also earned eight corner kicks compared to none for the Tigers.
Klementzos led the Red Hawks with three shots and two shots on goal, while sophomore Megan Chorley (Homer Glen, Ill., Lockport Township HS) and Mendoza Cruz each recorded three shots. Brown and Schmitz each finished with a goal, while Mendoza Cruz added an assist.
Ripon's defensive effort remained strong throughout the second half, as sophomores Kaitlin Adkins (Milwaukee, Wis., Brown Deer HS), Kayla Klang (Reedsburg, Wis., Reedsburg Area HS), and Alondra Olguin (Splendora, Tex., Splendora HS) combined to preserve the shutout. Grace Christian managed just seven saves while Ripon's three goalkeepers were not required to make a save.
The Red Hawks will look to carry the momentum into their next contest when they take on Alma College at 11am on Sunday, Sept 13.
